Sydney paints clearer picture of future Darling Harbour precinct

December 12, 2012

THE FUTURE Darling Harbour precinct will boast an international convention centre, a premium entertainment venue, a 900-key hotel and refreshed public spaces, revealed the New South Wales government on Tuesday.

The precinct, carrying the working title Darling Harbour Live, is expected to be ready by December 2016.

The new International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney), part of Darling Harbour Live, will be developed by a consortium comprising AEG Ogden, Lend Lease, Capella Capital and Spotless Facilities Services, with AEG Ogden playing the role of venue operator.

MICE facilities at ICC Sydney will include a convention facility capable of hosting four concurrent events with more than 12,000 delegates, a 40,000m² exhibition facility, a 5,000m² external events deck, an 8,000-seat red carpet theatre, and a grand ballroom with capacity for more than 2,000 banquet guests.

Business Events Sydney (BESydney) CEO, Lyn Lewis-Smith, said: “Sydney needs an iconic, contemporary and versatile meetings precinct befit of Australia’s global city. This innovation hub in the heart of Sydney will create opportunities to host more international events that help to drive our knowledge economy. The precinct will also be a hive of residential and retail, leisure spaces and more. It will connect our educational, creative and multicultural precincts.”

Lewis-Smith added that Darling Harbour Live “will ensure Sydney maintains its leading position as Australia’s premier business events destination” and pointed out that the destination bagged events delivering an estimated A$225.6 million (US$237.9 million) in economic impact last year.

“This doesn’t include the trade and investment opportunities created, or the results of global innovation taking place right here in Sydney,” she said.

Several event planners have expressed interest in using ICC Sydney, according to Lewis-Smith.

“We’ve had clients commit to hosting their event in the facility, even ahead of seeing any designs or floor plans. This speaks volumes about the excitement that’s being generated by news of the development, and of course, the trust that our clients have in Sydney’s ability to deliver,” she said.

One of these events is the International Bar Association Annual Conference, which will take place in 2017.

4th APHRS Scientific Session

By Karen Yue

December 11, 2012

Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk puts its head together with the conference organiser and delivers a successful business event that is rich in local culture. Karen Yue finds out how

The 4th Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society (APHRS) Scientific Session, held from September 20-22, 2011 in Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk, was a huge undertaking for the Japanese hotel.

The conference was attended by 2,000 participants, and used up the hotel’s full inventory of event space on the first floor, as well as some meeting rooms on the third and fifth floors. Some 650 guestrooms were also occupied each day throughout the event.

However, according to Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk’s spokesperson, Jeremy Nam, the hotel is well-acquainted with events of such scale.

Nam told TTGmice: “Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk is one of the three largest hotels in West Japan, so it draws many large-scale events. In 2012, the hotel held several international medical and pharmaceutical events with more than 1,000 attendees.”

The oceanfront hotel boasts 1,053 guestrooms and 6,000m² of meeting and conference space. Its largest event space, the Argos, can accommodate 3,200 pax in a theatre setting.

The hotel was able to commit full manpower to the event, as no other funtions were held during the same period.

To bring a touch of the destination to the 4th APHRS Scientific Session, the organisers decided to have a Fukuoka-themed dinner party for all delegates. Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk’s event staff thus sat down to discuss how best to present Fukuoka’s culture and customs.

While a traditional Japanese drum troupe was initially requested as a form of dinner entertainment, the hotel’s event team found the item too pricey and brief – the drummers would play for only 20 minutes.

“So we had another brain-storming session, and eventually presented the Dontaku Odori as a replacement,” said Nam.

Dontaku Odori is a street parade held during spring in Fukuoka. Some participants would dress as three of the seven Japanese gods of fortune, while others would don pretty yukata (or casual, cotton kimonos), playing musical instruments and banging wooden rice scoops together as they walk down the streets.

Nam added: “As Dontaku Odori allows every delegate to join in, only a few professional dancers were needed. That saved the client a large amount of money.”

The dinner party, held in the Argos ballroom, also featured other forms of traditional entertainment, and tantalised delegates’ tastebuds with Hakata cuisine such as mizutaki (chicken soup) and donkotsu ramen (noodle in a rich pork broth).

Delegates were also introduced to the stories behind the flavours of local wines.

Bringing the whole Japanese experience together, the venue was decorated in luscious bamboo and banquet staff were dressed in kimonos, said Nam.

The experience fostered a deeper appreciation of Fukuoka’s rich culture among the evening’s party-goers.

Mark Roth, hotel manager of Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk, said: “The client was very pleased with the warmth of the event, in which we had incorporated cultural elements…(to bring about) a truly memorable Fukuoka-inspired experience.”

Sunset Music Fest on the Tip of Borneo

By S Puvaneswary

December 11, 2012

Strong winds are bent on distorting sound quality and two faulty generators are threatening to ruin the concert, but Sound Tech Productions stays composed, writes S Puvaneswary

Sri Pelancongan Sabah, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sabah Tourism Board, has been organising the annual Sunset Music Fest at the Tip of Borneo in Tanjung Simpang Mengayau, Kudat since 2009.

As Sabah’s largest outdoor concert, the musical event attracts both local and international acts, delivering a diverse buffet of classical, folk and contemporary hits. A backdrop of the setting sun and rugged coastlines lends a magical touch to the ambience.

In 2011, it appointed Kota Kinabalu-based Sound Tech Productions to provide the event’s sound system, lighting, canopy supply and generator, as well as street lighting from the car park to the stage area.

Recognising the fact that Kudat is a four-hour drive from Sabah state’s capital city Kota Kinabalu, Kenny Shiau, managing director of Sounds Tech Production, came prepared for the event. He and his team of engineers and crew brought back-ups of every equipment, from generator sets and microphones, to lighting and canopies.

Mother Nature presented Shiau and his team the first challenge. Tanjung Simpang Mengayau is known for its strong evening breeze, and Sounds Tech Production must ensure that the music was not affected by the strong winds.

To achieve undistorted music quality, the team used Condenser microphones and windshield for the music equipment to minimise wind noise.

Shiau recalled: “Initially we wanted to provide wireless microphones for the musicians but the frequency of sound was disrupted by the strong winds.”

Another challenge was the lack of electricity supply in the area. Two 20-foot wide 300kVA generator sets had to be brought in by two ten-ton lorries three days ahead of the concert, so the crew could start setting up and testing the microphones and street lightings.

Shiau said: “Actually, only one generator was needed, but we brought in a back-up just in case a problem crops up. Being cautious paid off, as one of the generator sets did indeed fail.”

Unfortunately, as testings progressed, the second generator start to spew trouble for the team.

“We could not turn on the digital mixer and other equipment as they were dependent on a steady supply of electricity. I was really nervous as things were getting out of control and the reputation of our company was on the line.

“Getting a (third) generator from Kota Kinabalu was out of the question as there was no time. The show could not be delayed,” said Shiau.

Eventually, the engineers found a solution: they swapped parts between the two generators. The problem was solved less than an hour before showtime.

Sounds Tech Production’s successful delivery of the event earned them a contract for Sabah Fest 2012, and this time, the company was tasked to manage the full production.

“One of the things we learnt from this experience is to stay calm in a crisis, and always have a back-up close at hand,” he said.

Zuma targets meetings

By TTG Asia

December 6, 2012

THE BANGKOK outlet of the acclaimed Zuma restaurant chain has cast its eyes on the meeting segment, debuting a meeting package for five to 16 guests.

Zuma Bangkok’s meeting package is priced from 1,000 baht (US$33) per person, and includes use of a private venue, projector and screen until 17.00, lunch and a coffee break. Event planners can choose to have a three-course set lunch or pick from the restaurant’s donburi selection which includes a number of signature dishes with steamed rice, traditional salad and miso soup.

Breaks with desserts can also be included, or ordered independently during afternoon meetings, at 420 baht per person.

Contact reservations@zumarestaurant.co.th for more information and reservations.

Hyatt Regency Hong Kong unveils new meeting salons

By TTG Asia

December 6, 2012

FOLLOWING the renovation of its meeting venues, the 381-key Hyatt Regency Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui now boasts five larger salons which promise greater flexibility for event planners.

Salon I, II and III can be combined to accommodate up to 217 guests, while Salon IV and V can seat up to 64 people. On their own, these spaces are ideal for small meetings or intimate events.

The salons are fitted with floor-to-ceiling windows and equipped with the latest technology and communications support and wireless Internet connectivity.

Meeting planners can experience the new spaces with the hotel’s Executive Meeting Package 2013, which are priced from HK$820 (US$106) per person. The package includes use of a salon, a business lunch with an exclusive menu or buffet at Cafe, as well as two themed coffee breaks with a selection of refreshments. Terms apply. Contact hongkong.tsimshatsui@hyatt.com.

Anna Case joins Gold Coast Tourism

By TTG Asia

December 6, 2012

GOLD Coast Tourism (GCT) has appointed Anna Case as director of business events, placing her in charge of guiding the bureau’s strategy to promote the Gold Coast as a leading business events destination.

Said GCT CEO Martin Winter in a press statement: “Anna comes to GCT with a wealth of international experience in both business events and leisure tourism, having previously worked with Tourism Australia, the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Encore Business Tourism and SquareOne Events.

“This role assumes the leadership of the Gold Coast Convention Bureau (GCCB), a subsidiary business unit within Gold Coast Tourism’s structure. GCCB has the primary responsibility of securing conferences, congresses, incentives and corporate meetings to the Gold Coast, which creates new commercial opportunities for our members and stakeholders.

“I am very confident Anna will make a great contribution by applying her skills, knowledge and management expertise.”

Asia Golf Tourism Convention 2013 swings for Royal Cliff

By TTG Asia

December 6, 2012

ROYAL Cliff Hotels Group and its Pattaya Exhibition and Convention Hall (PEACH) have been chosen as the official venue for the Asia Golf Tourism Convention 2013.

The event, to be held in PEACH from April 29 to May 2 next year, will see a gathering of owners and senior management personnel from 150 accredited golf tour operators from 40 countries.

Peter Walton, president of the International Association of Golf Tour Operators, the organiser of the convention, said: “I have always been impressed by the Royal Cliff Hotels Group and its ability to stay fresh and modern. I have sampled many of the facilities and I can’t wait to return.”

The first Asia Golf Tourism Convention was held last year in Kuala Lumpur. It drew 426 delegates from 46 countries.

Melbourne to debut Business Events Week

By TTG Asia

December 6, 2012

AUSTRALIA’S first Business Events Week will take place in Melbourne from February 25 to March 1, 2013.

The week-long event aims to showcase the value of business events, and will feature a string of high-profile events such as the Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo, an invite-only CEO summit, ICCA Australia workshops and a showcase of the destination’s local produce by celebrity chefs.

Said Victoria state’s minister for tourism and major events, Louise Asher, in a press statement: “Business events generate extensive economic wealth for the local, state and national economy. In Victoria alone, business events inject more than A$1.2 billion (US$1.3 billion) annually.

“Over the next two years Melbourne will host in excess of seven of the world’s largest and most prestigious conferences including the 22nd World Diabetes Conference in 2013 and the International AIDS Conference in 2014, both of which will bring thousands of delegates to Victoria from all over the world and put our city firmly in the international spotlight.”

Karen Bolinger, CEO of the Melbourne Convention and Visitors Bureau, said: “Having a week dedicated to business events is a major coup for our industry and we firmly believe it will assist us in communicating how valuable the industry is to the Australian economy.”

Bolinger added: “Very few people are aware that as a convention and visitors bureau, our sole function is to bid for the right for Melbourne to host business events; from board meetings to corporate and incentive travel, right through to major conferences. In 2013, we hope to change that and educate Australia about this important industry which provides so much value across the knowledge sectors, tourism and beyond.”

Reed to launch MICE tradeshow in Mumbai

By Shekhar Niyogi

December 6, 2012

REED Travel Exhibitions will debut IBTM in 2013, the Indian edition of its series of MICE tradeshows.

To be held at the Grand Hyatt Mumbai from September 12-14, the maiden event is expected to see more than 100 MICE suppliers, including hotels, venues, NTOs, DMCs and technology companies.

Craig Moyes, portfolio director of Reed Travel Exhibitions, said in a press statement: “India holds enormous potential for the MICE industry, with a substantial annual growth in outbound travel and an eight per cent growth in GDP. (Meanwhile,) India’s Ministry of Tourism has definite plans to build more convention centres, and several large hotel groups are building new properties with meeting and conferencing facilities.”

Sushil Wadhwa, chairman of Platinum Incentives, said: “IBTM’s entry into India shows confidence in the growth and potential of the Indian MICE market. A large trade event like IBTM will certainly help showcase our venues and attractions, enabling many international organisations to consider India for their global events. The Indian corporate travel segment will also be presented with an eye-opening variety of products and services that will be showcased.”

SITE India chapter will also be partnering IBTM to offer educational elements to Indian MICE practitioners at the show.

Sarawak dishes out scholarships to encourage convention bidding

By TTG Asia

November 29, 2012

SARAWAK Convention Bureau (SCB) recently awarded five scholarships, each valued at RM10,000 (US$3,281), that enable recipients to attend an international convention of their choice.

The International Association Convention Scholarship Award covers travel, accommodation, association membership and convention registration fees, and has to be utilised by December 2013.

Mike Cannon, managing director of SCB, said: “Our aim is to encourage potential new bidders to actively participate in attending international conventions and in turn, showcase the benefits and opportunities that come from networking at these conventions.

“I am proud to see Sarawakians taking a positive step to expand their horizons and build international professional networks to prepare them to bid for international conferences in the future.”

The scholarship recipients are Ong Puay Hoon, president of Dyslexia Association of Sarawak; Ting Choo Yee, associate professor, Multimedia University, Cyberjaya; Kang Chia Yang, lecturer at Politeknik Mukah Sarawak; Joseph Ramanair, senior lecturer, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak; and Khong Heng Yen, senior lecturer, Universiti Teknologi MARA Sarawak.

Dylan Redas Noel, research director of the MICE bureau, said: “The (scholarship recipients) were selected based on their submissions and feasibility of the conference rotation and its scope of programme. These winners are very passionate and dedicated to their work, and the (scholarship) will further encourage them to consider bidding for conventions to be held in Sarawak.”

The International Association Convention Scholarship Award is into its fourth year. Chew Chang Guan, SCB general manager, noted that since the inception of the scholarship in 2009, the programme has met its objective of creating ambassadors for Sarawak and encouraging Malaysians to bid for international associations.